Epidural local anesthetics are the gold standard for shortening duration of bowel dysfunction after bowel surgery. Previous studies suggest that their effect may be in part a result of actions of the local anesthetic outside the epidural space. If local anesthetics could be administered intravenously instead, this might be a safer, easier and less expensive approach. Therefore, this trial will compare the effect on bowel function recovery of intravenous local anesthetics with those administered epidurally.